For those using 'sound indexes' for old motor vehicle records, census indexes, and simir Land records ... to save alphabetizing and filing time persons names were filed under a near sound aplha-numeric code for their surname. Many of the genealogical research tools used have indexes using this system. Land records indexes though not always the same SOUNDEX use a similar value index.
Generally the first letter, then a hard consonal sound followed by another letter or number for the next for the
next hard consonal [consonant] sound.
Grantee/Grantor Land Records and other indexe will then group the entries in less than alphabetical order in that index category for a given year or time period or area.
Most states are back computer registering their land records Always look to see how far back theyve finished when also using the book indexes. Good genealogical libraries will also have old local land record indexes on microfilm or fiche.
The Grantee records any receved itere in land .. the Grantor records any 'given or sold' interest in land.
The SOUNDEX values sometimes also appear on later CD Indexes for the US Federal Census.